Iraqi forces cut Daesh supply route to Ramadi

Iraqi forces have managed to cut off Daesh’s last supply line into Ramadi by recapturing a strategic bridge as they continue their operations to fully liberate the embattled western city.

On Thursday, Iraqi forces announced that they have the city fully surrounded after the capture of the strategic Palestine Bridge on the Euphrates River in northwestern Ramadi, Anbar Province.

“The bridge is now entirely under our control,” said Sabah al-Numani, a spokesman for the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces, adding that “we are tightening our grip on them (Daesh).”

An Iraqi army colonel positioned on the eastern side of Palestine Bridge told Reuters on condition of anonymity that “this advance is very important,” adding that “Daesh can no longer ferry weapons, food and equipment through the river like they did in the past.”
On Tuesday, Iraqi military sources said army troops and allied volunteer forces had liberated 22 neighborhoods from a total of 39 in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province, which was taken over by Daesh in May.

Ramadi has been one of the two major Daesh strongholds in Iraq, along Mosul, the capital of the northern province of Nineveh. The terrorist group launched its offensive in Iraq in July 2014, carrying out mass executions and killings inside the towns and villages.

Pro-government forces have managed to push back the terrorists from some of their major strongholds, including the cities of Tikrit and Baiji in Salahuddin Province, while the operation continues to liberate Ramadi and Mosul.